Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Circumfix

Definition: 

A circumfix is an affix made up of two separate parts which surround and attach to a root or stem.

The morphological process whereby this is achieved is called circumfixation.

Examples: 

(Tuwali Ifugao, Philippines)

The circumfix ka--an is a nominalizer and surrounds a root.

  • baddang: root ‘help’ v.
  • ka--an: circumfix ‘NOMR’
  • kabaddangan: word ‘helpfulness’